b'SENIORS CAREBoomers readiness for agingHow this landmark generation is getting ready for the next stage of lifeBy Donna Duncan & David ColettoI n four years, the oldest of the babyUntil recently, a key piece ofboomers includes those most likely to boomers generation will turn 80.missing information in our ongoingneed care in the not-so-distant future. By 2040, Ontarios population overconversations about seniors careTheir responses, however, show that that age will nearly double. planning was how the boomermany are not adequately prepared for generation is preparing itself forthe care challenges that lie ahead. For many, the impact of thesepotential aging challenges. How are numbers is hard to comprehend. Butboomers getting ready for the nextWhile an overwhelming majority of as baby boomers get older and startstage of their lives? What do they thinksurvey respondents said maintaining developing complex care needs, theabout their future care needs? Whatautonomy, independence and control services and supports we offer willplans have they started putting inare what matter most to them, just need to expand significantly. place? Are they adequately preparedone in 10 (or 12%) said that they had for what is to come? given serious thought to where they At every stage of their lives, boomerswould live in old age and what kind of have had a profound, and oftenTo gain important insights and helpcare they may need. underestimated, impact on society with future policy planning, the not only in Canada, but also aroundOntario Long Term Care Association,Most respondents reported that they which represents 70% of thewant and expect to age in their own the world. As babies, their parentsprovinces long-term care homeshomes as long as possible, but that faced diaper shortages. When it was including private, not-for-profit,number dropped from 72% to 56% time for them to head off to school,municipal, hospital, culturally specificwhen they were informed about the there were not enough classrooms.and First Nations homespotential costs of doing so should Moreover, as they entered the housingcommissioned Abacus Data, onethey require in-home assistance. market, there were not enoughof Canadas leading public opinionJust 20% planned to ask family and homes. Significant changes firms, to survey 1,000 Ontarians agedfriends for help, while only 13% said were required. 68 to 78 years. That demographic ofthey could afford round-the-clock 30 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2024'